The Blue Youth Innovation Grant, issued under RFP#-2505, is part of the Ocean Tech Hub (OTH) initiative, a collaboration between the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation, the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, and the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI). This funding opportunity aims to support student interest and skill development in key Ocean Tech Hub industries, including robotics, sensors, advanced materials, composites, and artificial intelligence/machine learning, with a focus on undersea applications. The goal is to prepare at least 100 students for future learning and employment in these industries, which are essential to both regional economic development and national security.

A total of $120,000 in funding is available, with the expectation of awarding between one and four grants. However, the Corporation reserves the right to withhold awards if applications do not meet program objectives. Eligible applicants include Rhode Island public high schools (traditional local education districts, charter schools, and career and technical schools), accredited higher education institutions in Rhode Island, and Rhode Island-based employers with at least 51% of employees working in the state and registered with the RI Secretary of State. Youth programs that collaborate with both a high school and an employer may serve as lead applicants. Preference will be given to applications that include partnerships with CCRI to further the OTH vision of inclusive career pathways and business growth.

Funding can be used for developing high school or associate degree courses, creating internship opportunities for high school students, and providing mentorship programs with industry professionals. Targeted technology areas include AI/ML software, advanced materials, underwater vehicles, and undersea navigation technologies. Grant funds may be used for forming partnerships, hiring program coordinators, compensating instructors, purchasing materials, developing coursework, and covering instructional and coordination expenses. Eligible projects must support workforce expansion in OTH industries through advanced technical skill-building, coursework or credentialing pathways, direct industry engagement, or other initiatives aligned with Rhode Island law.

Applicants must demonstrate prior success in education and workforce development within the targeted industries and must represent a collaboration between high school, industry, and higher education partners. Selected projects must be included on the Rhode Island Work-Based Learning Navigator and PrepareRI. The grant requires that all funded projects be completed by December 1, 2025.

Applications must include a project narrative of no more than five pages outlining the program's purpose, implementation, impact on students, and alignment with Blue Youth goals. The narrative should include previous outcomes, projected metrics, and sustainability plans. A detailed budget with a corresponding narrative is also required, aligning projected costs with project goals. While matching funds are not required, they are encouraged. Additionally, applicants must submit a cover sheet and required certifications.

Applications will be evaluated based on experience and past results (30 points), qualifications of the team (15 points), quality and feasibility of the proposed program (25 points), budget and sustainability (25 points), and metrics/evaluation approach (5 points). Up to six additional points may be awarded for Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Women Business Enterprise (WBE), and Disability Business Enterprise (DisBE) participation. Proposals including internships must align with the PrepareRI Internship Program.

Questions about the RFP can be submitted to RFP@commerceri.com by 11:59 PM on March 12, 2025. Responses to questions will be posted on the Corporation's website by March 17, 2025. Proposals must be submitted as a PDF to RFP@commerceri.com by 11:59 PM on March 28, 2025. Late or misdirected submissions will not be accepted. Rhode Island Commerce Corporation reserves the right to terminate the solicitation at any time and reject proposals that do not meet the requirements.